Feilding Clock Restoration
Feilding’s clock is entering an exciting new chapter of its history. The clock housed in the clock tower in Manchester Square is undergoing a three-prong repair and restoration project. Each part of the project is currently underway, aiming to be completed and installed simultaneously in time for Christmas. From now until the work is complete, scaffolding will be erected around the clocktower.
Learn about the repairs and restoration below.
History of the Feilding Clocktower
1904
- Feilding’s town clock officially started at 3pm on 13 April 1904 as part of the original Post and Telegraph office in Feilding.
1942
- The post office was damaged beyond repair in a strong earthquake in June and subsequently demolished.
- The clock was salvaged and placed into storage.
1990s
- Feilding and Districts Historical Society proposed re-installing the town clock as a millennium celebration project.
- The project was taken up by Feilding Promotions, launching a fundraiser campaign to restore the clock into a new tower in the middle of Manchester Square.
1999
- Feilding Promotions successfully rallied support from Manawatū District Council, seeing the Clocktower project included in Council’s Annual Plan.
- Resource consent was granted, and local architects and engineers, Stuart Manning, Engineers Ormond Stock, Hewitt Construction designed the clocktower.
2000
- The clocktower was built and the project was completed.
2023
- The clock mechanism and strike function stopped.
November 2025
- The restoration work is now officially underway.
Feilding's town clock on the original Post and Telegraph office in 1904.
The Post and Telegraph office being demolished after an earthquake in 1942.
Repairing the historic clock mechanism
Pilbrows Watchmakers of Taupō are currently repairing and restoring the original mechanical clock movement in Feilding’s clocktower. This includes installing a PAR-100 pendulum regulator and controller system to control timekeeping.
Pilbrows expertise is unparalleled in New Zealand and with it comes a growing list of towns like Feilding, eager to benefit from their specialised knowledge. We are fortunate to have them working on our clock.
Replacing the protective clockface glass
In the midst of removing the internal clock mechanisms, Pilbrows discovered that the glass in all four clock faces have multiple failure points including cracks or glass missing.
Central Glass Feilding has carefully removed the existing glass and is preparing to replace it with 1/4 inch thick panes. It’s a substantial job, so the team have created a pully system to ensure the glass is handled safely and efficiently.
Repairing the clockface steel frames
Central Engineers and Consultancy Limited have expertly removed the clock’s steel frames to refurbish and re-powdercoat them, ensuring they maintain both durability and aesthetic appeal.